Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-04-2017 CDC Minutes MINUTES OF THE MISSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE January 4, 2017 The Mission Community Development Committee met at Mission City Hall, Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. The following committee members were present: Pat Quinn, Tom Geraghty, Arcie Rothrock, Debbie Kring, Kristin Inman, Suzie Gibbs and Ron Appletoft. Absent: Nick Schlossmacher. Councilmember Rothrock called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Also present were City Administrator Laura Smith, City Clerk Martha Sumrall, Assistant City Administrator Brian Scott, Capt. Kirk Lane, Public Works Director John Belger, Parks & Recreation Director Christy Humerickhouse, and Public Information Officer Emily Randel. Update on Plan Review and Inspection Services Ms. Smith stated that Johnson County recently notified the City that effective December 31, 2016 they would no longer be providing plan review and building inspection services to us. Staff has been exploring our options to use another 3rd party entity to provide these services. After talking with several entities, staff has determined that the Institute for Building and Technology Safety (IBTS) is best equipped to take over these services. Ms. Smith introduced Curt Skoog, IBTS, and handed out a list of their current clients in the Kansas City area. Mr Skoog stated that IBTS is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in the Washington, DC area. He provided information on how the organization was founded, and their focus on helping small to medium sized cities with building safety, and working with larger cities to augment their building services when needed. He stated that they currently work with 26 jurisdictions in the Kansas City area, including Olathe and Overland Park. Their offices are located in MARC's offices. Capt. Lane asked for information on the Police Department's procedure when an accident occurs involving a structure. Mr. Skoog stated that their response time for normal requests is within 24 hours and that they will respond to emergencies as quickly as possible, usually within two hours. Ms. Smith stated that staff has held several transition meetings with IBTS to ensure the transition is as seemless as possible and there is no disruption to our customers. Discussion continued on the certification of IBTS staff (they are ICC certified), the number of IBTS staff in the area (5 staff with 3 building inspectors), and the company's priority to ensure safe buildings and efficient inspections. Ms. Smith stated that this issue will come before Council again in 90-120 days for further consideration. This item was informational only and no action was taken. 1 /4 Communication Plan for Traffic/ Pedestrian Safety Changes on Johnson Drive Speed Limit Ms. Randel provided information on the communications plan to inform residents, businesses and those visiting Mission of the recently reduced speed limit on Johnson Drive from Roe to Lamar. She stated that message boards are out now in advance of the change taking place so there are no surprises for anyone, and noted that there was a fair amount of news coverage after Council approved the change. The initial reaction to this change has been mixed, but we will continue to provide education on the need for pedestrian and traffic safety. The new speed limit will take effect on January 10th and Public Works will be installing the new signs. Ms. Randel stated that she will also be working on a short video to explain why the speed change is important and asked for those councilmembers interested in participating to contact her. A handout was provided to the committee that highlights safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians. Officers will have these available to hand out to those who are stopped, and they will be available at the businesses. She discussed working with the Mission Business Partnership to help educate local businesses on the change, which is a way to encourage the downtown district and not punish it. Ms. Smith stated that Chief Hadley has reached out to the radio stations to let them know he is available to share information should they decide to run stories on the speed limit change. Discussion continued on the need for pedestrians to "be assertive, but safe" when using crosswalks, whether "crossing guards" would be of benefit, how much they would cost and when they would work, and the possible need for additional police presence. Ms. Smith stated that the crossing guards issue is up to Council to decide, and Councilmember Quinn stated that he does not think this is a realistic plan. He would like to see how the recent changes work first before considering any additional changes. Ms. Smith stated that the flashing LED lights will soon be added to the pedestrian beacons and they will be very helpful. This item was informational only and no action was taken. Review of Traffic Signals at Various Locations Ms. Smith smith stated that Council has had an ongoing conversation regarding signals at Johnson Drive and Woodson and adding a protected left turn at Martway and Broadmoor. The signal at Johnson Drive and Woodson was removed as part of the Johnson Drive project because it was not warranted by traffic engineers. Because of Federal funding committed to the project, returning the signal to that intersection when unwarranted would have cost the City approximately $2 million in grant funds. A traffic engineering study was also conducted as part of the Mission Crossing development project (2011) and at that time a protected left for southbound traffic on Broadmoor at Martway was not warranted. 2 /4 Ms. Smith provided handouts from the MUTCD that discuss traffic signals and the need for warrants before making changes. Mr. Belger noted that when the traffic study was conducted at Martway and Broadmoor, much of the adjoining development site had been empty for several years, but that with the development in the area complete a turn signal may be warranted now. Discussion continued on the best time of day to conduct a traffic study in the area, with Mr. Belger stating that he has requested lunch time and early evening which would be "peak times" for the area. Ms. Smith stated that in 2016 a Task Order was approved by Council to conduct a traffic study at Martway and Brodmoor when the Welstone (senior apartments) reach 75% occupancy. Welstone has not yet reached 75% occupancy, but Ms. Smith stated that Council can elect to do the study at any time. It was noted that the Welstone is at approximately 50% occupancy and that many of the residents do not drive or do so infrequently. Discussion continued on the MUTCD information which includes "best practices," possible exposure for the City if unwarranted signals are installed, the benefit of conducting the traffic study (Task Order) on Broadmoor between Martway and Johnson Drive as this will be needed for future CARS funding, and the cost of the approved Task Order ($8,000). Councilmember Gibbs stated that she feels the group agrees that the traffic study should be completed now (Task Order) and suggested that this be taken to Council in January for approval to move ahead prior to the 75% occupancy at the Welstone. The committee also discussed the traffic signal at Johnson Drive and Woodson. Ms. Smith provided information from the MUTCD and stated that it would cost approximately $150,000-$180,000 to install a signal at this location. Mr. Belger again stated that a previous warrant analysis in conjunction with the Johnson Drive Project did not warrant a signal at this location. Discussion continued on the signal that was previously there for years, greater traffic on Woodson when St. Pius Elementary School was open (now closed), the benefits to the intersection with the reduced speed limit on Johnson Drive, and the cost to restripe Johnson Drive (similar to the signal installation). Councilmember Gibbs recommended that the Olsson Task Order for a traffic study on Broadmoor be brought back to Council at their January meeting to approve moving forward with this study prior to the previously recommended 75% occupancy of Welsone being met. All on the committee agreed, and this will be considered under new business. Other Councilmember Inman requested information on why Barkley between Johnson Drive and Martway has not yet be striped. Mr. Belger stated that due to the on-street parking in the area, drivers would continually be crossing and disobeying the double yellow lines as they backed out of parking spaces. 3 /4